Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was one of Spain’s greatest painters and printmakers, often called the last of the Old Masters and the first of the moderns. Born in Fuendetodos, Spain, Goya trained in Zaragoza and Madrid, eventually becoming court painter to the Spanish Crown. His career spanned one of the most turbulent periods in European history, and his work reflects both the grandeur and the darkness of his time.
Goya’s early paintings, including royal portraits and tapestry cartoons, display the charm and elegance of the Rococo style. Over time, his art took on a more personal, dramatic tone. His famous print series—Los Caprichos, The Disasters of War, and Los Disparates—use biting satire and haunting imagery to critique superstition, political corruption, and human cruelty.
In his later years, Goya created the Black Paintings, a series of haunting murals painted on the walls of his home, which reveal a deeply introspective and often nightmarish vision of humanity. His bold brushwork, psychological depth, and fearless exploration of social and political themes made him a pioneer of modern art, influencing later masters such as Manet, Picasso, and Dalí.
Goya died in Bordeaux, France, in 1828, leaving behind a body of work that continues to challenge, inspire, and provoke reflection on the human condition.
Showing all 2 results
